The Centre for Disability and Inclusion Africa has unveiled the #WheelchairNotLuggage campaign to combat the widespread abuse and discrimination faced by wheelchair users in Nigeria.
In a statement on Monday, the Centre’s Executive Director, Yinka Olaito, described the campaign as a long-overdue response to the injustices suffered by individuals with mobility challenges. According to him, many public transport operators, including drivers of buses, cars, and even airline operators, have subjected wheelchair users to unfair treatment, ranging from outright refusal to provide service to charging extra fees for transporting wheelchairs.
“The Nigeria’s Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities Law 2018 clearly prohibits such abuses,” Olaito said. “A wheelchair is a personal mobility aid, not luggage. Refusing to board a wheelchair user or treating their wheelchair as baggage is illegal and could lead to criminal charges if prosecuted.”
He called on leaders of transport unions to educate their members on the legal and ethical obligations toward wheelchair users. Olaito also appealed to stakeholders in the disability inclusion sector to amplify their voices against these injustices, emphasizing that equity and inclusivity are essential for national development.
The Centre announced that the campaign is the first in a series of planned activities aimed at ensuring compliance with the law and fostering respect for the rights of persons with disabilities.